China up against India in Davis Cup

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As China will play host to India on outdoor hard courts at the Tianjin Tennis Center in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania second round tie on April 6 and 7, the hosts seem confident of a better show against their top-seeded rivals in the Asia-Oceania zone.

Spearheaded by Wu Yibing, who had won the US Open singles and doubles junior titles last year, and the likes of Zhang Ze, Gong Maoxin and Wu Di, China are hoping to upset the apple-cart of the seasoned Indian side, who have the formidable doubles duo and multiple major winners, Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna in their ranks.

While China beat New Zealand 3-1 in Tianjin on February 2 and 3, the Indians had a bye in the first round.

China ready to buck trend

Historically, India has a 3-0 win-loss record against China. India beat China 5-0 when the two teams met the last time in Delhi in 2005. Earlier in 2001, at Langfang City, Hebei Province, the Indians had pulled off a 3-2 victory while they had overpowered China 5-0 in Kolkata during their first-ever meeting in Davis Cup in 1999.

The Indian Davis Cup team during the draw in Tianjin, China /VCG Photo

On paper, India look the stronger team with players, save for Prajnesh Gunneswaran (263), ranked higher than the five from China.

However, with India playing without their top-ranked singles player Yuki Bhambri, the home side has a chance to turn the tide in their favor. Moreover, the inclement weather conditions and home support have given China the advantage.

On the eve of the draw, the captain of the Indian team – multiple Grand Slam champion Mahesh Bhupathi said: "The conditions are pretty brutal. The evening session had to be moved indoors since it was snowing on the court. It is extremely cold."